What, Exactly, Is Long-Term Care?
Long-term care is the common phrase used to describe on-going assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, or walking. The need for long-term care can be indefinite, often lasting years.
Long-term care may include skilled nursing care, which is typically provided in a nursing facility and involves 24-hour healthcare provided, or supervised, by a registered nurse. Those requiring skilled nursing care almost always also require assistance with activities of daily living. However, skilled nursing care, by itself, is often short-term in nature, typically following a serious medical occurrence, such as a stroke, fall, or surgery. The goal of skilled nursing care is to help restore one’s health to the point where they are again able to live independently or with assisted living only.
The vast majority of long-term care is provided in one’s home by an unpaid family caregiver. Alternatively, some families choose to arrange for paid caregiver services. An assisted living facility is the typical alternative for those who require a higher level of assisted living than that which can adequately or safely be provided in a home setting.
Those who like to plan ahead and are not as comfortable with the uncertainties of managing in-home care may choose to move to a setting such as a life plan community. Life plan communities, such as Beatitudes Campus, cater to those who live independently today, but they are equipped to provide the appropriate levels of assisted living or skilled nursing care that may be needed in the future.
As a life plan community, Beatitudes Campus encompasses a wide range of health services. These include assisted living, in-home care services, memory support, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and long-term care. It can be overwhelming to see all of these options at first glance, but our goal is to ultimately bring a sense of comfort knowing that if a health issue is to arise, no matter how big or small, there is care available on campus.
For more information about the options at Beatitudes, check out our health services page or give us a call at (602) 833-1358.
The above article was written by Brad Breeding of myLifeSite and is legally licensed for use.
What Is Skilled Nursing Care?
Designed for individuals with serious health challenges, skilled nursing care provides higher-level medical services and ongoing supervision by a registered nurse, LPN, and other health professionals. This can include monitoring vital signs, wound care, IV therapy, injections, and physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Nursing care also encompasses assistance with everyday activities, from medication management and meals to personal care and hygiene. Nurses, certified nursing assistants, and support staff are on call 24/7. There are two types of skilled nursing care–short-term and long-term. Below is a summary of each type:
Short-term skilled nursing care: Time to heal
Short-term care is provided to those who need time to recover from an illness, injury or surgery. This can range from a few days or weeks to a few months.
For example, a loved one who leaves the hospital after a stroke or joint replacement surgery may not be capable of returning home immediately. He or she may need additional time to heal or to go through a concentrated rehabilitative process with a mix of physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Nursing care helps bridge the gap. The goal is to regain capabilities, health, and strength in order to return home safely, or to another living situation such as with a family member or an assisted living apartment.
Long-term skilled nursing care: Ongoing care and support
Long-term care provides hands-on, around-the-clock support and monitoring for those who have a chronic condition or complex health issues. There is skilled care, which requires higher-level medical services, and custodial care, which includes occasional medical care but primarily focuses on help with everyday tasks. Most of the time, long-term nursing care involves the latter.
Long-term nursing care centers can be a residential option for those who cannot live on their own and require a high degree of continual assistance and monitoring. For example, someone in the late stage of a progressive condition such as congestive heart failure or Parkinson’s disease. If a loved one is very frail, has serious health issues, falls often, lives alone and is unable to care for their own well-being, they may benefit from the stability and supervision of nursing care.
Not all nursing care centers are alike. Many, such as Beatitudes Campus, offer a stimulating atmosphere with enjoyable programs and amenities as well as friendly volunteers who help keep residents as active and engaged as possible. If your loved one needs the support of nursing care, take some time to tour the various centers to find one that fits their needs and preferences best.
Nursing care at Beatitudes Campus
The Health Care Center at Beatitudes Campus offers both short-term skilled care and long-term nursing care. We offer shared suites along with delicious, restaurant-style dining and special activities and programs.
The Health Care Center at Beatitudes Campus is Medicare and ALTCS Medicaid-approved and fully licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. We are continually recognized in Arizona state inspections for outstanding care.
To learn more about nursing care at Beatitudes Campus and whether it’s right for you or a loved one, visit the Health Services page on our website or call us at (602) 833-1358.
The life plan community concept began about a century ago when faith-based and other charitable organizations sought to provide lifetime shelter and care for the aging. In exchange for this promise, residents being cared for were usually required to assign most or all of their assets to the organization. Although well-intentioned, this model was less than scientific, and when residents lived longer than expected, there often wasn’t enough money on hand to fulfill the organization’s commitment.
In response to the short-coming of this model, the idea of entrance fees evolved. Rather than collecting the assets of a resident, organizations began establishing minimum entrance fees (combined with monthly fees) that were determined to be adequate to cover commitments.
After proving to be more effective, the entrance fee model eventually expanded to also offer refundable entrance fees. Many prospective residents responded more favorably to this approach because they knew that either they or their heirs would receive back some portion of the entrance fee if they ever left the community, or at death.
Today there are more than 2,000 life plan communities located throughout the United States offering non-refundable, partially refundable, and fully refundable entrance fees. Many providers offer multiple options from which to choose.
So, what is the purpose of an entrance fee? Primarily, the entrance fee helps secure a resident’s contractual access to a continuum of care. This is why life plan communities are the only type of retirement scenarios providing such a promise to its residents. In recent years, more rental-only life plan communities have evolved. However, under a rental contract, there is either no contractual promise to provide a continuum of care, or the monthly fee will be higher than a comparable entrance fee.
The money received from entrance fees is also used to help pay down, or limit, the amount of debt required for development, expansion, or occasional capital projects, which keep the community attractive and competitive in the marketplace.
Finally, many life plan communities- particularly non-profit providers- offer a financial assistance or endowment fund to help ensure that if a resident runs out of money due to a longer than average stay in the healthcare center, or some other unforeseen circumstance, they will not be forced to leave the community. Of course, this would not apply to any situation where a resident mismanaged or intentionally transferred personal assets in order to receive such support.
At Beatitudes Campus, the entrance fee for our Central Park Apartments and Patio Homes include 90 days of skilled nursing, memory care, or assisted living for each resident at no additional cost. The monthly service fee and the one-time entrance fee is up to 90% refundable, and you can enjoy the convenience of maintenance-free living with the security of a future healthcare benefit.
The above article was written by Brad Breeding of myLifeSite and is legally licensed for use.
It’s devastating when someone you love begins to have trouble thinking or is diagnosed with dementia. If you’re like most of us, your mind starts swirling with worry, and you can feel precious time slipping away.
Then come the questions about what’s next. Will Dad’s memory and ability to think worsen? What can we expect as that happens? Is Dad safe at home? What can we do to make his life easier? What’s the right type of care and support, and where do we find it? What’s ahead for Mom and Dad, and for our family? Where do we go from here?
At Beatitudes Campus, we’re the experts in memory care, and we can help. We developed Comfort Matters®, a nationally and internationally recognized program designed to improve your loved one’s quality of life and care.
In 2005, we partnered with leading experts to develop the very best memory support at Beatitudes Campus based on science and research. We helped so many families along the way that we wanted to share what we learned. Our award-winning Comfort Matters® program has appeared in more than 30 scholarly journals and books. We’ve trained caregivers in 12 states and 22 countries.
Know your options
We know it’s hard to face the truth about Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. When you’re ready, please call us. One of our Transition Coordinators will help you and your family by answering your questions about dementia openly and honestly and directing you to resources such as support groups. They’ll discuss your options for caring for and supporting your Dad or loved one, during this difficult time, starting with helpful services provided in his own home.
If staying at home isn’t an option for Dad, Beatitudes Campus offers the Virginia G. Piper Residences. These residences are specifically designed for people with early-stage memory challenges. It provides the perfect combination of flexibility and freedom with just enough help so that Dad is safe, happy and comfortable. The staff takes care of everything, including meals, medications, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance. We even provide transportation to medical appointments.
Your Dad will feel comfortable and independent by setting his own schedule and routine, and choosing which entertainment, activities and programs are of interest to him. Dining is also available around the clock.
If Dad develops moderate or advanced memory challenges, Beatitudes Campus’ Vermilion Cliffs is an option. The caring, compassionate staff focuses on making Dad as comfortable as possible. Our caregivers are highly trained through our Comfort Matters® program to anticipate your Dad’s needs even as it becomes harder for him to express himself.
Stay in control
At Beatitudes Campus, we understand that control and independence are crucial to everyone’s well-being. It’s especially important right now for your Dad when life can feel upsetting and unpredictable. Our Comfort Matters® program helps individuals enjoy life on their own terms and in a way that honors who they are.
You can feel confident knowing everything is taken care of, the setting is secure and Dad is able to get the care and attention he needs every day. With help from Beatitudes, your family can concentrate on spending time with Dad in an enjoyable way, not worrying about and being exhausted by daily care and chores or future what-ifs.
If someone you love is having trouble thinking and remembering, you don’t have to make decisions in the dark. We’re here for you and your loved one — to answer your questions, show you your options and offer reassurance when times get tough.
To learn more about Comfort Matters® and the memory support options at Beatitudes Campus, please call us at 602.995.6133 today.
By Rodney D. Bailey, MSW, PhD, Senior Vice President
March is National Nutrition Month and it reminds us that eating nutritious foods offers big benefits. Research shows eating well can boost your energy, improve your mood, keep your bones strong, enhance your sleep, and extend your life. Healthier eating can even reduce your risk for dementia, some cancers, and type 2 diabetes.
Considering all of the physical and mental benefits of eating nutritiously, why not give it a try? Mayo Clinic offers these simple tips for eating better.
- Choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, nuts and seeds, and low-fat dairy products.
- Limit the number of calories you get from added sugars and saturated fats, while also cutting back on sodium.
Eating healthy isn’t complicated. There’s no magic diet plan. By applying those simple guidelines at every meal, over time, you’ll significantly increase the nutrients you’re intaking, while dramatically decreasing the amount of sugar, salt, calories, and saturated fat. Smart choices like these will allow for a healthier, stronger mind and body–one day at a time.
So many smart, delicious choices on campus
At Beatitudes Campus, we make it easy to eat for your well-being. We offer heart-healthy, vegetarian, and allergen friendly options at all of our restaurants. We regionally source ingredients whenever possible for the freshest flavors. Most importantly, our chefs tailor your order to your liking.
Tailored menu
- Fit menu filled with healthy choices
- Diabetic friendly selections
- Vegetarian dishes
- Gluten-free alternatives
- Allergen friendly options (milk, peanuts, wheat, and other allergens)
- Dietary preferences (salt, spices, garlic, shellfish, and others)
- Sugar-free desserts
Healthier choices
- Made-from-scratch soups
- Sustainably sourced seafood per Monterey Bay Aquarium standards
- Gluten-free bread, pasta, mayonnaise, dressings, and more
- No growth hormones in milk and meats
- Pasteurized in-the-shell eggs
- Cooked with zero trans fat
- No salt added
Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast, lunch, or sitting down to dinner with friends, you’ll find something delicious and nutritious.
At Town Plaza Bistro, we offer fresh, made-to-order meals, including grilled chicken, fish, fresh fruits, salads, vegetables, and more. On the menu, it’s easy to see which items are vegetarian, gluten-free, and have low sodium and no sugar.
Elaine’s, our fine dining restaurant, offers sophisticated cuisine in an upscale atmosphere. You can choose from a variety of healthy options such as seared scallops and halibut, shrimp, rack of lamb, and zucchini noodles.
Even at Buckwald’s Arizona Grille, our steakhouse-inspired restaurant, you can choose fresh seafood, grilled lean meats, and vegetable-forward dishes. You can also build-your-own salad and top it with one of our house-made dressings.
“We have really talented chefs here at Beatitudes Campus. If you need a dish specially prepared, just let them know. We want to make it easy for you to enjoy great meals that are also healthy for you,” said Joe Kane, Director of Dining Services.
The facts about nutrition and older adults
Whether you’re dining at one of Beatitudes Campus’ restaurants or in your own kitchen, consider choosing your meals and snacks for their nutritional value–at least a majority of them. Poor nutrition particularly affects older adults. As we age, we need adequate amounts of protein to maintain our muscles, calcium to keep our bones strong, and vitamins and minerals to keep our mind and body working properly. The real magic is that you have control over what you eat.
With National Nutrition Month, now is a great time to add nutrient-dense foods into your everyday eating. When possible, make every bite count. It’s quick, easy, and hugely beneficial. If you enjoy statistics, here’s more about the latest research in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Having Fun? You’re Sure To At Beatitudes Campus
By Rodney D. Bailey, MSW, PhD, Senior Vice President
Where you live matters. If you’re thinking about moving to a senior living community, you want one that reflects your personality, offers interesting opportunities, has great neighbors, and is just plain fun.
As you think about what you want for your future and where you want to live, remember to consider what you enjoy most. Is it art, music, learning, laughing, dancing, socializing, woodworking, exploring — or all of the above? In short, what makes you smile?
At Beatitudes Campus, you’ll find something enjoyable every day. From live entertainment to competitive card games to day trips around Phoenix, there are some 100 organized activities, service opportunities, clubs and social group meetings each month. Which ones will you try?
Get Creative
If you like to work with your hands, you can get creative in our art studio or woodworking shop, and take ceramics and painting classes. Whether you’re painting side by side with a fellow artist or taking a group class, you’ll find inspiration and a wonderful sense of camaraderie.
Keep Learning
If you enjoy learning, you’ll love Beatitudes’ Lifelong Learners program. It’s managed by residents and features over two dozen non-credit courses each semester. You can take classes on art, history, music, astronomy, architecture, poetry and more. You can even learn a foreign language and build your computer skills. The classes offer a relaxed atmosphere of discussion, exploration and understanding.
Play Favorites
Around campus, you’ll find a variety of opportunities — from practicing your short game on the putting green, to taking a dip in the heated pool or spa, to watching your favorite team on the flat screen TVs at Buckwald’s Arizona Grille. We’re always improving and adding new activities like our new bocce ball court.
If you love games, be sure to take a peek at our Gaming Connection. It tracks all of the game and puzzle meetups happening across campus — bridge, poker, dominoes, mahjong, board games, and more. Everyone is welcome to come out and play. It’s a great way to meet new friends.
Laugh Out Loud
Throughout the year, Beatitudes Campus hosts regularly scheduled special events of all kinds. For example, as a member of our LAFF (lifestyle, activities, fun, fellowship) Club, you can join us for an evening of dinner, dancing and comedy. It features laugh-out-loud funny standup comedians and live music by local bands.
Jam with Us
One of my favorite programs happens on Wednesday evenings. It’s what we at Beatitudes Campus affectionately call a Hootenanny, where residents come together to sing and play instruments in an all-out musical jam session. It’s an open, unplanned program where everyone is invited to participate. The talented folks on stage have the rest of us singing, tapping our toes, and clapping along. I can’t help but leave with a huge smile.
Party On
Looking at some recent calendars over the past few months, we’ve held a Trivia Night, Summer Block Party, Active Aging Week, 1920s-inspired party, a fashion show, and about a dozen holiday celebrations. I know it is cliché to say, but there truly is something for everyone to enjoy at Beatitudes Campus — and a million ways, big and small, to have a lot of fun.
The inspiration comes from some pretty special people — the residents of Beatitudes Campus. In virtually everything we do, every event we plan, they tell us what they want and help guide the way.
Join in the Fun
If you’re curious about what life is like here, a number of these events are open to friends of Beatitudes Campus. We invite you to join in and see if our community is right for you. To find out what’s coming up on the calendar or to schedule a visit, call us at 602.910.2795. We would be delighted to show you a great time.